Trace Metals in Two Geoduck Clams (Panopea generosa and P. Globosa) Exploited for the Regional Market from Two Areas of Northwest Mexico

Biological and fishery features of Panopea sp. clams have been studied in northwest Mexico because of their importance for human consumption. However, the content of pollutants in their tissues, along with their implications have not been addressed yet. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), and zinc (Zn) in soft tissues of Panopea generosa and P. globosa clams were examined in this region by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The metal concentrations (µg/g wet weight) ranged from 6.5 to 14.2, 0.97–8.09, 0.60–1.18, and 0.01–0.07, for Zn, Cu, Cd, and Hg, respectively. This study proposes that metal presence is related to weathering, upwelling, and drainage from adjacent agricultural lands to the coast. According to the Official Mexican Standard (NOM-242-SSA1- 2009 ) and the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022 ), the metal content in siphon tissue indicates safe levels for human consumption.